Only one in four believe Britain's sense of community is alive and well

Crowds on Princes Street, one of Scotland's largest and busiest shopping streets, in Edinburgh.
Brexit and a lack of funding at a local level are eroding Britain's community spirit (GETTY)

New research has shown less than a quarter of British citizens believe that the UK still has a strong of sense of community.

The study of 2,000 people, published by giffgaff, suggests Brexit divisions and a lack of Government funding into local initiatives are to blame for an eroding sense of togetherness in society.

Since 2015/2016 local councils have suffered from a 77 percent cut in funding from central government - the equivalent to losing £7.6 billion annually.

Tree lined UK street with cars parked on either side.
New research has shown Britain's communities could do with a lift (GETTY)

Austerity-induced policies have notably dampened Britain’s community spirit, with 76 percent of Britons saying the country has suffered as a result.

The study also found that while one in five Brits already volunteer within their local community, 74 per cent believe that it has never been more important for people to pull together.

One in four think the sense of community has shown improvement in the past few years.

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Meanwhile, 35 percent highlighted the positive effect of digital tools such as social media, messaging apps and the internet.

However, 41 percent of those surveyed want to get more hands-on with local volunteering, while almost half of participants are keen to drive positive change in their area.

New figures from the National Council for Volunteers show how, in response to government cutbacks, some £17.1 billion was added to the economy by the voluntary sector in the year 2016/17.

Anti Brexit  demonstrators protest on the Irish border on the Old Dublin Road, Carrickcarnon, Ireland, Saturday, March 30, 2019. Border communities protested against Brexit by holding various rallies around Ireland. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
Brexit is said to have caused a lack of community in the country (AP)

In response to its findings, giffgaff has launched The Community Projects, an initiative that will shine some much needed light on the nation’s grass-roots communities.

Running until the 19th August, the project will help individuals make a positive and lasting contributions to their community, while celebrating local unsung heroes who have brought about change.

Members of the mobile network will be able to nominate the projects and people who are the beating heart of their local communities.

"London, England - October 20, 2012: Protesters march against David Cameron's Coalition Government spending cuts that are taking place in the UK public sector. In the image, a woman is brandishing a placard reading 'No Cuts'"
Austerity and a lack of funding in local communities have also contributed to Britain's dampened spirits (GETTY)

After review from an expert panel of independent community leaders, winners will receive funding, advice and support from the telecommunications company.

giffgaff CEO Ash Schofield said: “It just goes to show that community really is at the heart of Britain. Our members are at the core of everything we do, so we want to give back to the people and groups really making a difference.

“The Community Projects campaign will recognise and celebrate the local heroes out there, and we want to help them make a lasting difference in their local community.”

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